Cairo is the sprawling capital of Egypt and one of the largest cities in Africa and the Arab world, home to roughly 21 million people. Straddling the Nile River, Cairo is a city of overwhelming contrasts — ancient pharaonic monuments stand alongside medieval Islamic architecture, Coptic Christian churches, and a bustling modern metropolis. The city serves as the gateway to the Giza Pyramids, the last surviving wonder of the ancient world, and houses world-class museums including the Egyptian Museum and the new Grand Egyptian Museum. From the labyrinthine alleyways of Khan el-Khalili to the elegant Nile-side Corniche, Cairo overwhelms and enchants in equal measure.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Koshary Abou Tarek
The most famous koshary restaurant in Cairo and arguably in all of Egypt, Abu Tarek has been serving the beloved Egyptian staple — layers of pasta, rice, lentils, chickpeas, fried onions, and tangy tomato sauce — since 1950. A four-storey institution beloved by locals and tourists alike.
Known for: Koshary
16 Maarouf Street, Downtown Cairo
Felfela
A Downtown Cairo institution since the 1960s, Felfela serves home-style Egyptian cooking in a colourful, kitschy atmosphere complete with hanging cages and aquariums. Beloved by locals, politicians, and celebrities for its authentic mezze, grilled meats, and Egyptian specialties.
Known for: Full Egyptian mezze and grills
15 Hoda Sharawi Street, Downtown Cairo
Naguib Mahfouz Café
Named after Egypt's Nobel laureate and located deep in the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, this elegantly decorated café-restaurant offers a refined setting for traditional Egyptian food and shisha in an area where the writer himself used to walk. The decorative mashrabiya screens and antique lanterns create a magical atmosphere.
Known for: Mezze and Egyptian classics in a historic setting
5 El Badestan Lane, Khan el-Khalili
Zitouni
The flagship Egyptian restaurant of the Four Seasons Nile Plaza, Zitouni is widely considered one of the finest Egyptian dining experiences in Cairo. The menu celebrates Egyptian culinary heritage with refined presentations, using the freshest local ingredients. Spectacular Nile views complete the experience.
Known for: Contemporary Egyptian cuisine with Nile views
Four Seasons Nile Plaza, 1089 Corniche El Nil, Garden City
Sequoia
Sequoia is one of Cairo's most glamorous restaurants, set on a spectacular open-air wooden deck extending over the Nile at the northern tip of Zamalek. Perfect for a long leisurely meal, sunset drinks, or special celebrations. The diverse menu spans Lebanese, Mediterranean, and international dishes.
Known for: Open-air Nile dining
Northern tip of Zamalek Island, Zamalek
Abou El Sid
Abou El Sid recreates the atmosphere of a 1940s Egyptian home complete with antique furniture, sepia photographs, and mashrabiya screens. The menu is a celebration of Egyptian home cooking with grandmotherly dishes often overlooked by modern restaurants. One of Zamalek's most beloved restaurants.
Known for: Egyptian home cooking in nostalgic 1940s setting
157 26th of July Street, Zamalek
Karam El Sham
One of Cairo's most beloved Syrian restaurants, serving outstanding Levantine mezze, shawarma, and grills in a welcoming, family-friendly setting. The hommus and moutabal are particularly acclaimed, and the portions are enormous.
Known for: Levantine mezze and grills
22 Taha Hussein Street, Zamalek
El Fishawy Café
The oldest continuously operating café in Cairo, El Fishawy has been serving tea, coffee, and shisha in the heart of Khan el-Khalili for over 250 years (est. 1773). Writers, philosophers, and Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz were regulars. The mirrored walls and antique lanterns have barely changed.
Known for: Traditional tea, coffee, and shisha
Khan el-Khalili, Islamic Cairo
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Egyptian Street Food
Koshary Abou Tarek
Zamalek Sandwich Shop (Sandowich El Zamalek)
Hawawshi El Malek
Koshari El Tahrir
Traditional Egyptian
Felfela
Abou El Sid
Om El Dounia
Egyptian / Middle Eastern
Naguib Mahfouz Café
Egyptian Fine Dining
Zitouni
Mediterranean / International
Sequoia
Syrian / Levantine
Karam El Sham
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tipping practices vary — check local customs. Service charge is often included.
Restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. Plan meals around local dining hours.
Popular restaurants may not take reservations — arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |